Miniature Beagles
Miniature Beagles Are Beagles Too
Miniature beagles are recognized by the American Kennel Club as the pocket variety of this popular scent hound. He must be under thirteen inches in height to qualify for the breed standard, a mere two inches shorter than the average full sized beagle. It is thought that the miniature beagle has been fashioned throughout the generations by breeding short beagles with short beagles. All standards for bone conformation, ear length, jaw placement, and bone conformation are exactly the same for both strains. Dwarfism does occur with beagles, but this type of defect is not considered to be an acceptable standard for pedigreed miniature beagles. These details indicate that no crossing has been done with other breeds to create this smaller variety of beagle.
The nickname of “pocket beagle” was not actually given to this smaller strain of the scent hound. Exhausted beagles were privy to a snuggly spot in the saddle bags of their mounted masters after a long days hunt, giving meaning to the phrase. The larger English scent hounds of 14th century allure are likened to the Walker Hound. These overgrown beagles were used for chasing down larger game such as deer. Beagles were originally bred, hunted, and kept in packs, and those strong pack instincts are very prominent in the beagles we see today. In other words, if you think that keeping track of one busy beagle is demanding, just imagine how difficult it was for the horsemen to round up their runaway packs in the early days. Thank goodness the world was not nearly so populated and dangerous for the little guys back then, as they may have become instinct for all of their antics.
The disposition of miniature beagles should be easy going and ultra friendly. They are curious and comical dogs who thoroughly enjoy mixing it up with children. Some household pets, such as bunnies and kittens, may not be safe when left alone with your beagle, unless he has been raised around them and his resolve against hunting and chasing them has been tested and proven true. Once a hunting hound, always a hunting hound. He must not be faulted for being overcome by instinct. He needs lots of exercise and constant positive reinforcement for every good choice that he makes, no matter how small. He is a people pleaser, and showing him elated you are with even his simplest efforts will only make him want to repeat them again and again.
For all of his wonderful mischief and tiring antics, he is a greatly rewarding dog to have around. He is truly devoted to your lap when there is nothing better to do, and has no natural tendencies toward aggression or unpredictable behaviors. He will dig make believe holes in between the pillows on your bed and “bury” things that you certainly have no wish to sleep with. But what a constant riot he is.